Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is a nationally recognized public garden operated by the Harris County Precinct 4 park system. Mercer covers over 250 acres along Cypress Creek and features the Texas Gulf Coast’s largest display of native and cultivated plants. Mercer’s staff and volunteers are dedicated to fulfilling Mercer’s mission to establish and maintain a versatile botanical facility for Houston and the greater Gulf Coast region, serving the general public, the horticulture industry, and the scientific community. Visitors enjoy Mercer for its beauty and participate in a wide range of educational programs, tours and classes for youth and adults. Recreational opportunities include garden walks, woodland trails, picnic areas and a canoe launch.

History: Thelma and Charles Mercer acquired 14 ½ acres of native woods alongside Cypress Creek in 1949. Over the next 25 years they created a garden paradise, clearing space for desirable natives such as dogwoods and planting exotic species such as camellias. The Mercers lived there until 1974 when their dream of sharing their private garden with others was fulfilled when the property became a Harris County Precinct 4 park. Additional land purchases by the County of 200 acres in 1983, 38 acres in 1993, and 2.37 acres in 2000 have expanded Mercer’s total holdings to over 254 acres. Through community support and volunteer commitment Mercer has grown into a premier botanical facility attracting 250,000 visitors annually.

Gardens: Mercer is home to over 20 different gardens, including an Endangered Species Garden, Fern Garden, Louisiana Iris Collection, Herb Garden, Tropical Garden, Azalea plantings, Daylily Collection, Rock Garden, Perennial Gardens, Vine Garden, Bamboo Collection, Crinum Collection, Prehistoric Plant Garden, Salvia Collection, Antique Garden, Ginger Collection, and Native Garden. The arboretum collection of woody trees and shrubs covers over 100 acres. Naturalized Texas wildflowers line the drives on the west side in the spring.



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